>>1613602I have an old InReach Explorer device (before Garmin acquired them).
Its a GPS navigator with messaging capabilities. If all you want is "hit a button for SOS", a SPOT or PLB is cheaper. With the InReach, I can send a preset (free) message saying "I'm OK", with my location, to someone. That's good for solo hikes.
It works worldwide on the Iridium network.
However, I've discovered that messages aren't always instantaneous - sometimes taking hours to arrive. So don't expect to chit-chat via satellite text.
Just don't share your InReach number with assholes, like I did. It's a subscription service, and you pay for custom (not preset) messaging. My asshole friend keeps texting ME when I'm on the trail, even though I told him not to (he eats up my message quota and I have to pay for his shitty jokes).
